Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not expressing any condolences or concern over the deadly floods in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, even as he conveyed grief over the flood situation in Texas, United States. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Khera wrote, "The PM of India has not spoken a word of consolation to those suffering in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, where over 70 people are feared dead in the calamitous floods. Meanwhile, he is deeply saddened by the destruction caused by floods in Texas, USA."
Himachal Pradesh has been reeling under relentless monsoon fury since June 20, with the state reporting widespread devastation. As per the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), a total of 78 people have lost their lives due to various monsoon-related incidents up to July 6. Among them, 50 deaths were directly linked to rain-triggered disasters like landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and electrocution, while another 28 fatalities were caused by road accidents.
Of the rain-related deaths, the breakdown includes 14 fatalities due to flash floods, eight from drowning, eight from electrocution and accidental falls, and a few others from landslides, lightning strikes, and snake bites. The Mandi district has emerged as the worst-affected area, recording 17 rain-related deaths, the highest in the state. It is followed by Kangra with 11 deaths, while Kullu, Chamba, and Shimla districts each reported three deaths.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for "Extremely Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm and Lightning, Squall" for July 6, followed by an orange alert for "Very Heavy Rain" on July 7. The department has also forecast more heavy rainfall for July 8 and 9. In addition to the human toll, the floods have severely damaged infrastructure across the state. According to the SDMA, 269 roads have been blocked, 285 power transformers have been affected, and 278 water supply schemes have been disrupted. The total estimated loss to public and private property stands at over ₹57 crore.
Among the districts, Mandi has reported the highest number of blocked roads, with 181 routes cut off. Subdivisions like Seraj, Karsog, Thalout, and Dharampur have reported major damage to essential services. Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed the mediapersons that these areas are facing significant challenges in terms of connectivity and restoration of public utilities. The grim situation highlights the destructive impact of this year’s monsoon in Himachal Pradesh, as the state struggles with rescue, relief, and restoration efforts amid mounting criticism of the central government's silence on the issue.
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